Experience of Playing Game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare in Incidental Vocabulary Learning

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that digital games can support vocabulary learning; however, most have focused on educational games and quantitative approaches, with limited attention to learners’ experiences using commercial video games. Therefore, this study aimed to explore students’ experiences of playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare in relation to incidental vocabulary learning, investigate how vocabulary is acquired through gameplay, and examine the game’s contribution to vocabulary learning.

This study employed a qualitative narrative inquiry design involving one English Education student with experience playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and gameplay documentation and analyzed using restorying and thematic narrative analysis.

The findings indicate that vocabulary was acquired incidentally through repeated exposure to dialogues, subtitles, mission instructions, and military commands in authentic game contexts. The game also enhanced vocabulary retention and learner engagement through meaningful language exposure.

This study suggests that commercial digital games can be used as an alternative medium for English vocabulary learning. However, the findings are limited to one participant and one game. Future research is recommended to involve more participants and different game genres.